CN108366630B - Component for an aerosol-generating system comprising a disabling member - Google Patents

Abstract

A component (100) for an aerosol-generating system, a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, and an aerosol-generating system, wherein the component (100), the cartridge and the aerosol-generating system Comprising: a storage portion (108) for storing an aerosol-forming substrate (110); and a manual operation disabling member for rendering the component (100), the cartridge or the aerosol-generating system irreversibly inoperable. The component (100), the cartridge and the aerosol-generating system may further comprise aerosol-generating means and one or more air passages (115). The disabling member may be configured to render at least one of the storage portion (108), the aerosol-generating member and the one or more air passages (115) irreversibly inoperable.

Description

Parts for aerosol generating systems including disabling components

technical field

The invention relates to a component for an aerosol generating system. In particular, the invention relates to components for electrically operated smoking systems.

Background technique

One type of aerosol generating system is an electrically operated smoking system. Electrically operated smoking systems typically use a liquid aerosol-forming substrate that is atomized to form an aerosol. Electrically operated smoking systems typically include a power source, a liquid storage portion for maintaining a supply of liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and a nebuliser.

It is known to provide electrically operated smoking systems having disabling means, such as fusible links, which are operated by an electronic controller such that the system or cartridge cannot be operated in response to certain operating conditions. However, such disabling means do not provide the user with a choice of when to render the system inoperable. It is also known to provide electrically operated smoking systems with temporarily disabling members, such as caps and rotatable valves, to temporarily block access to the system when the system is not in use. However, such temporary disabling means may be removed to restore operation of the smoking system, and thus render the user unable to irreversibly render the system or cartridge inoperable.

It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating system or a component for an aerosol generating system, such as a cartridge, which enables a user to render the aerosol generating system or a component for an aerosol generating system irreversibly inoperable at the user's option, Unauthorized use of the aerosol generating system is thereby substantially prevented or inhibited.

Contents of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a component for an aerosol generating system, the component comprising: a storage portion for holding an aerosol-forming substrate; and a manual operation for rendering the component irreversibly inoperable Disable widgets.

Being able to manually operate the disabling member to render the component irreversibly inoperable is advantageous for a number of reasons. The manual operation disabling member enables a user to prevent unauthorized operation of the component. The manual operation disabling member enables a user to decide when to render the component irreversibly inoperable. A user may decide to render the component irreversibly inoperable to substantially prevent or inhibit filling or refilling of the storage portion by inappropriate or even hazardous matrix material. A user may decide to render the component irreversibly inoperable to substantially prevent or inhibit unauthorized access to the aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion. A user may decide to render the component irreversibly inoperable to substantially prevent or inhibit operation of the aerosol generating system. A user may decide to render the component irreversibly inoperable to substantially prevent or inhibit operation of the component in the aerosol generating system. By making the components irreversibly inoperable, the user can lean further to position used or undesired components or the aerosol generating system.

As used herein, with reference to the present invention, the term 'manually operated' is used to describe a disabling member operated by a user. In other words, the disabling member is configured to be operated by a user rather than a control system of the aerosol generating system.

Components that have been rendered irreversibly inoperable by manually disabling means are components that will not operate in or as part of the aerosol generating system. Components that have been rendered irreversibly inoperable by disabling means may be unmodified for operation in the aerosol generating system without substantially altering or potentially damaging the component. In other words, the disabling member may be configured such that the component is not permanently operable.

The component may be part of a cartridge for an aerosol generating system. The component may be a cartridge for an aerosol generating system. The component may be an integral part of the aerosol generating system. The components may be integrally formed in the aerosol generating system. The components may be secured to other components or parts of the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may be an electrically operated smoking system. The disabling member may be configured to render the component, the cartridge, the aerosol generating system or the electrically operated smoking system irreversibly inoperable.

The components may include additional features. The component may comprise an aerosol generating member. The component may include one or more air passages. Where the component comprises an aerosol generating member, at least a portion of the aerosol generating member may be arranged in one or more of the one or more air channels. The disabling member may be configured to render any feature of the component irreversibly inoperable. The disabling member may be configured to render one or more features of the component irreversibly inoperable. The disabling member may be configured to render the storage portion irreversibly inoperable. The disabling means may be configured to render the aerosol generating means irreversibly inoperable. The disabling member may be configured to render the one or more air passages irreversibly inoperable.

The components may be configured to perform one or more functions. The component may be configured to hold an aerosol-forming substrate. The means may be configured to supply the aerosol-generating substrate to the aerosol-generating device. The means may be configured to aerosolize an aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion. The means may be configured to supply an atomized aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol-generating device. The disabling means may be configured to substantially prevent the component from performing one or more of the one or more functions.

The manually operable disabling member may comprise a mechanical disabling member. The manually operable disabling member may include a disabling mechanism. The disabling mechanism may include a movable portion. The movable portion is movable by physical force. For example, the disabling member may be operated by a user to impart rotation, deformation, stress or pressure to the disabling member. A mechanical disabling member may advantageously enable a user to manually render the component irreversibly inoperable without connecting the component to a power source.

The disabling member may be configured to be manually operated by any suitable action by a user. The disabling member may be configured to be depressed by a user. The disabling member may be configured to be snuffed out by a user in a manner similar to snuffing out a traditional cigar or cigarette. The disabling member may be configured to be compressed by a user. The disabling member may be configured to be twisted by a user. The disabling member may be configured to be bent by a user. The disabling member may be configured to be pulled by a user. By performing a disabling motion to operate the disabling member and render the component not permanently irreversible, the user may further tilt to position the component or the aerosol generating system.

The disabling member may be configured to destroy or damage a feature or part of the component when the disabling member is operated. The feature or portion of the component may be a connection between the component and another component of the aerosol generating system.

The disabling means may comprise any suitable means for manually operating the disabling means. For example, the disabling means may comprise a button. The disabling member may comprise a switch. The disabling member may comprise a joystick.

The component may include a housing. Where the component is part of a cartridge, the housing may be at least part of the housing of the cartridge. Where the component is part of an aerosol generating system, the housing may be at least part of a housing of the aerosol generating system.

Where the component comprises a housing, the disabling member may comprise at least part of the housing. The means for manually operating the disabling means may comprise the portion of the housing. By configuring a portion of the housing as a member for manual manipulation of the disabling member, operation of the disabling member may alter the appearance of the component. This may prompt the user to install components that have been rendered irreversibly inoperable.

The component may comprise a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part. The first housing part is manually movable relative to the second housing part to operate the disabling member. The first housing part may be receivable in the second housing part. The first housing part may be receivable in the second housing part by means of an interference fit. The interference fit may make manipulating the disabling member more difficult for the user. This reduces the likelihood of a user accidentally operating the disabling member.

The first housing part may be configured to be pushed towards the second housing part by a user to operate the disabling member. The first housing part may be configured to be pushed into the second housing part by a user to operate the disabling member. The first housing part may be arranged to operate as a button. The first housing part and the second housing part may be arranged at the ends of the component. This may enable a user to operate the disabling member by pinching off a component at the end of the first housing part, pushing the first housing part into the second housing part to operate the disabling member. This can change the appearance of the component and indicate to the intended user that the component has been rendered irreversibly inoperable. This may also prompt the user to place inoperable parts.

The first housing part may be configured to be pulled away from the second housing part by a user to operate the disabling member. The first housing part may be configured to be pulled by a user out of the second housing part to operate the disabling member. The second housing part may be configured to be compressed by a user towards the first housing part to operate the disabling member.

The first housing part is movable relative to the second housing part from an operative arrangement to a disabling arrangement to operate the disabling member. The components are operable when the first housing part is in the operative arrangement. The component may be inoperable when the first housing part is in the disabling arrangement. The disabling member may be configured to substantially prevent or inhibit a user from moving the first housing part from the disabling arrangement to the operative arrangement. This may substantially prevent unauthorized operation of the component following operation of the disabling member.

The first housing part and the second housing part may be arranged such that when the first housing part is in the disabling arrangement, the first housing part is substantially contained within the second housing section. The first housing part and the second housing part may be arranged such that the first housing part is substantially inaccessible to a user when the first housing part is in the disabled arrangement. This may substantially prevent or inhibit a user from moving the first housing part from the disabling arrangement to the operative arrangement.

The disabling member may comprise a locking member to substantially prevent or inhibit movement of the first housing part from the disabling arrangement to the operative arrangement. The locking member may be configured to substantially prevent or inhibit movement of the first housing part relative to the second housing part when the first housing part is in the disabling arrangement. The locking means may comprise any suitable means of securing the first housing part to the second housing part. The locking member may comprise a latch. The locking member may comprise a joining material, such as an adhesive. The locking member may be arranged on the first housing part. The locking member may be arranged on the second housing part. The locking member may be arranged on the first housing part and the second housing part.

The component may include a housing including a manually deformable portion. The manually deformable portion may be arranged to operate the disabling member when the manually deformable portion is deformed. Deforming the housing of the component can change the appearance of the component. This may indicate to the intended user that the component has been rendered irreversibly inoperable. This may also prompt the user to place inoperable parts. The manually deformable portion may be configured to deform upon any suitable action by a user. The manually deformable portion may be configured to deform upon application of compression, tension or twist by a user. The manually deformable portion may comprise a portion having any suitable structural weakness. The manually deformable portion may include a portion having a reduced thickness. The manually deformable portion may include a scored portion. The manually deformable portion may comprise a junction between two housing parts.

The disabling member may be configured to render the storage portion irreversibly inoperable. This may substantially prevent or inhibit unauthorized access to the aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion.

The storage portion may include means for transferring the aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion outside of the storage portion. The storage portion may comprise one or more channels for conveying the aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion. The disabling member may be configured to substantially prevent or inhibit the aerosol-forming substrate from leaving the storage portion. The disabling member may be configured to prevent an aerosol-forming substrate from leaving the storage portion. The disabling means may comprise one or more barriers that prevent aerosol-forming substrates from exiting the storage portion. The one or more barriers may be arranged to prevent the one or more channels from delivering the aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion when the disabling member is operated.

The storage portion may include a case. The housing of the storage portion may be a rigid housing. As used herein, the term 'rigid shell' is intended to mean a self-supporting shell. The storage portion may be configured to hold any suitable aerosol-forming substrate. The storage portion may be configured to hold a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The storage portion may be configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The storage portion may be configured to hold liquid and solid aerosol-forming substrates.

Where the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the storage portion may be a liquid storage portion configured to hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The disabling member may be configured to render the liquid storage portion irreversibly inoperable. This substantially prevents or prohibits a user from refilling the storage portion with unauthorized and potentially harmful matrix material.

The disabling member may be configured to render the liquid storage portion irreversibly inoperable by piercing the liquid storage portion upon manipulation of the disabling member. Piercing the liquid storage portion may render the liquid storage portion unsuitable for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Where the liquid storage portion comprises a housing, the disabling member may be configured to pierce or break the housing of the liquid storage portion. The housing of the liquid storage portion may comprise one or more frangible portions. The one or more frangible portions may generally be a structurally weakened portion compared to other portions of the housing. The one or more frangible portions may be thinner than other portions of the housing. The frangible portion may be configured and arranged to be pierced or broken upon manipulation of the disabling member.

The disabling member may comprise one or more piercing elements. For example, the disabling member may comprise one, two, three, four, five or six piercing elements. Where the housing comprises one or more frangible portions, the one or more piercing elements may be arranged opposite the one or more frangible portions. The one or more piercing elements may be arranged to be brought into contact with the frangible portion upon manipulation of the disabling member to pierce or break the one or more frangible portions. The one or more piercing elements may include one or more channels to enable fluid communication through the one or more piercing elements. The one or more piercing elements may comprise any suitable material. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials. Where the component comprises a housing, the one or more piercing elements may comprise the same material as the housing.

The one or more piercing elements may comprise one or more spikes. The one or more spikes may comprise one or more piercing points. The one or more spikes may have any suitable shape. The one or more spikes may be generally conical or pyramidal in shape. The one or more piercing elements may comprise one or more blades. The one or more blades may include one or more cutting edges. The one or more cutting edges may be sharp. The one or more vanes may have any suitable shape. The one or more vanes may be substantially planar or non-planar. The one or more blades may be arcuate. The one or more vanes may be substantially circular or oval.

Where the component comprises a housing, the one or more piercing elements may be arranged on the housing of the component. Where said housing of said component comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, said one or more piercing elements may be arranged between said first housing part, said second housing part body portion or both the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The one or more piercing elements may be configured to move the first housing portion to pierce the liquid storage portion upon operation of the disabling member. Where the housing includes a manually deformable portion, the one or more piercing elements may be positioned on the housing towards or at the manually deformable portion. The one or more piercing elements may be arranged to move the manually deformable portion to pierce the liquid storage portion when deforming the manually deformable portion.

The disabling means may include an auxiliary storage portion. The secondary storage portion may be substantially isolated from the liquid storage portion. In other words, the auxiliary storage portion may not be in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion. The housing of the liquid portion may generally isolate the liquid storage portion from the auxiliary storage portion. The auxiliary storage part may include a case. The housing of the secondary storage portion may generally isolate the secondary storage portion from the liquid storage portion.

The disabling member may be configured to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion when the disabling member is operated. The disabling member may be configured to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion. The disabling member may comprise means for enabling fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion when the disabling member is operated. The secondary storage portion may be configured to collect the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion upon operation of the disabling member. The secondary storage portion may be configured to hold the collected liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Where the disabling member comprises one or more piercing elements, the one or more piercing elements may be arranged to pierce the fluid storage part housing and the auxiliary storage part housing. at least one of the fluid storage portions to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion.

One or more channels may be provided between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion. One or more one-way valves or check valves may be arranged in the one or more channels. The one or more one-way valves enable communication of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion to the secondary storage portion. The one or more one-way valves may substantially prevent or inhibit communication of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the secondary storage portion to the liquid storage portion. One or more barriers may be disposed in or around the one or more channels to substantially prevent or inhibit fluid communication through the one or more channels. The disabling member may be configured to move, pierce or remove the one or more barriers upon operation of the disabling member. Where the disabling member comprises one or more piercing elements, the one or more piercing elements may be arranged to pierce the one or more barriers when the disabling member is operated.

The auxiliary storage portion may be configured at a lower pressure than the storage portion. Upon operation of the disabling member, a pressure differential may cause the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to pass from the liquid storage portion to the secondary storage portion under conditions permitting fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the secondary storage portion. part. The liquid storage portion may be configured at about atmospheric pressure (typically about 100 kPa or 1 atm). The auxiliary storage portion may be configured at between about 50% and about 95% of atmospheric pressure, between about 70% and 90% of atmospheric pressure, or at about 80% of atmospheric pressure.

The disabling member may comprise a sorbent material. The sorbent material may be arranged to absorb or sorb a liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion upon operation of the disabling member. In use, the sorbent material may be brought into contact with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate upon manipulation of the disabling member. Upon contact with the sorbent material, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be absorbed or adsorbed by the sorbent material. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be retained by the sorbent material such that use of the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol in an aerosol-generating system is substantially prevented or inhibited.

Where the disabling member comprises an auxiliary storage portion, the sorbent material may be arranged in the auxiliary storage portion. The secondary storage portion may be configured to retain the sorbent material when the disabling member is operated. The secondary storage portion may be configured to release the sorbent material into the liquid storage portion upon operation of the disabling member.

The sorbent material can have any suitable structure. The sorbent material may have a sponge-like structure. The sorbent material may have a fibrous structure. The sorbent material can comprise any suitable material. The sorbent material may comprise absorbent material. The sorbent material may comprise an adsorbent material. Sorbent materials may include activated carbon. The sorbent material may include silica. The sorbent material may comprise cellulosic material. The sorbent material may include a desiccant. The sorbent material may comprise a polymeric material. The sorbent material may comprise a superabsorbent polymer (SAP).

The disabling member may comprise an auxiliary storage portion comprising an absorbent material such as a sponge; and one or more piercing elements for piercing the housing of the liquid storage portion upon operation of the disabling member. In use, upon manipulation of the disabling member by a user, the one or more piercing elements may pierce the housing of the liquid storage portion thereby achieving a connection between the liquid storage portion and the secondary storage portion. fluid flow between. A liquid aerosol-forming substrate is contactable with the sorbent material in the secondary storage portion and absorbed by the secondary storage portion. A sorbent material may retain the liquid aerosol-forming matrix in the secondary storage portion. This may render the liquid storage portion unsuitable for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. This may render the liquid storage portion irreversibly inoperable.

The component may comprise an aerosol generating member. The aerosol-generating member may be arranged to receive an aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion. The aerosol generating means may comprise a nebulizer. The aerosol-generating means may be configured to atomize the aerosol-forming substrate using heat. The aerosol generating means may include heating means. The aerosol-generating member may be configured to atomize the aerosol-forming substrate using ultrasonic vibrations. The aerosol generating means may comprise an ultrasonic transducer.

Where the component comprises an aerosol-generating member arranged to receive an aerosol-generating substrate held in the storage portion, the disabling member may be configured such that the aerosol-generating member is irreversibly inoperable.

The disabling means may be configured to substantially prevent or inhibit the receipt of an aerosol-forming substrate at the aerosol-generating means. This may be achieved by moving the aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to an auxiliary storage portion, substantially as described above. This may be achieved by releasing a substance, such as an adsorbent material, into the storage portion, substantially as described above. This may be achieved by introducing one or more barriers between the storage portion and the aerosol generating member. The disabling member may include one or more barriers. The one or more barriers may be configured to move between the storage portion and the aerosol generating member upon operation of the disabling member to substantially prevent or inhibit containment of an aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol Where the component is generated.

The aerosol-generating means may be an electrically operated aerosol-generating means. The electrically-operated aerosol-generating member may comprise an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may be arranged to electrically connect the aerosol generating member to a power source of the aerosol generating system. The electrical circuit may be arranged to connect the aerosol generating member to a control system of the aerosol generating system.

The disabling member may be configured to irreversibly destroy the circuit. This may substantially prevent use of the component in an aerosol generating system for generating aerosols. The electrical circuit may include one or more frangible connections. The disabling member may be configured to irreversibly break the one or more frangible links. The electrical circuitry may include any suitable electrical conduits. The conduit may comprise foil wire or foil tape. The wire may comprise any suitable material, such as a metal or alloy. The one or more frangible connections may comprise any suitable electrical connections. Examples of suitable frangible connections include solder joints, solder joints, magnetic connections, crimp connections, press fit connections, packaging materials, and joining materials such as adhesives. The one or more frangible connections may comprise press-fit or press-fit connections arranged to force opposing connectors into contact without engagement.

Where the component comprises a housing, the one or more frangible connections may be arranged at or on the housing. Where the housing comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, the one or more frangible connections may be arranged between the first housing part and the second housing part at the interface between. The one or more frangible links may be configured to break when the first housing part is moved relative to the second housing part.

The electrical circuit may include a first wire and a second wire connected at the frangible connection. The first lead may be secured to the first housing part and arranged to move through the first housing part. The second electrical wire is connectable to the second housing part and arranged to move through the second housing part. The frangible link may be configured to break when the first housing part is moved relative to the second housing part.

In case the housing comprises a manually deformable portion, the one or more frangible links may be arranged at the deformable portion. The one or more frangible links may be configured to break upon deforming the manually deformable portion. The disabling member may comprise one or more piercing or cutting elements arranged to pierce or cut the one or more frangible links of the electrical circuit to destroy the electrical circuit.

The component may include one or more air passages. The air passages may enable air flow through the component. The provision of one or more air channels for air flow through the component may allow an aerosol generating system comprising the component to be compact. This may also allow the aerosol generating system comprising the components to be symmetrical and balanced, which is advantageous when the system is a handheld system. The one or more air channels may also minimize heat loss from the device and make it easier to maintain the components or housing of the system at a temperature that is more comfortable for the user to hold.

Where the component comprises an aerosol generating member, at least a portion of the aerosol generating member may be arranged in one or more of the one or more air channels. The aerosol-generating means may be configured to generate an atomized aerosol-forming substrate in one or more of the one or more air channels. The one or more air channels may be arranged such that, in use, a user may draw air over and through the one or more air channels on the aerosol generating system. Air drawn through the one or more air channels may entrain aerosolized aerosol-forming substrates generated by the aerosol-generating means and the entrained aerosol-forming substrates may be drawn through the system to the users for inhalation.

Where the component comprises one or more air passages, the disabling means may comprise means for rendering the one or more air passages irreversibly inoperable. The means for rendering the one or more air passages irreversibly inoperable may include means for substantially preventing or inhibiting air flow through the one or more air passages. This may substantially prevent a user from inhaling aerosols generated by the aerosol generating system from or through the component. This may render the component irreversibly inoperable with the aerosol generating system.

The disabling member may include one or more barriers for preventing airflow through the one or more air passages. The one or more barriers may be movable to substantially block the one or more air passages when the disabling member is operated. The one or more barriers may substantially prevent or inhibit airflow through the one or more air passages. Where the component comprises a housing, the one or more barriers may be disposed on the housing. Where the housing comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, the one or more barriers may be fastened to at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part One. The one or more barriers may be arranged to enable airflow through the one or more air passages when the first housing part is in the operative arrangement. The one or more barriers may be arranged to substantially block the one or more air passages when the disabling member is operated. The one or more barriers may be arranged to substantially block the one or more air passages when the first housing part is in the disabling arrangement. The one or more barriers may be arranged on a manually deformable portion of the housing. The one or more barriers may be movable to substantially block the one or more air passages to operate the disabling member when deforming the manually deformable portion. The disabling member may comprise one or more barriers arranged to substantially block at least one air inlet or air outlet of the one or more air passages. The disabling member may comprise two or more barriers substantially blocking at least an air inlet and an air outlet of the one or more air passages.

The manual operation disabling means may comprise one or more of the disabling means substantially as described herein. The disabling means may comprise one of a means that renders the storage portion irreversibly inoperable, a means that renders the aerosol generating means irreversibly inoperable, and a means that renders the one or more air channels irreversibly inoperable or more.

The components may have any suitable shape. The member may have a generally cylindrical shape having a length and a width. The parts may have any desired cross-section, for example circular, hexagonal, octagonal or decagonal.

The means to manually operate the disabling means may be arranged at any suitable location on the part. The means to manually operate the disabling means may be arranged towards the end of the part, may be arranged at the end of the part or may be arranged in a central position along the length of the part.

As used herein, with reference to the present invention, the term 'longitudinal' refers to the direction between opposite ends of the component. For a component used with an aerosol generating system, the longitudinal direction is the end of the component disposed towards the mouthpiece end of the aerosol generating system and the end of the component disposed towards the body end of the aerosol generating system direction between opposite ends of the . The term 'transverse' is used to mean a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal direction. The term 'length' is used to describe the largest longitudinal dimension of the component. The term 'width' is used to describe the largest lateral dimension of the component.

The storage portion may be of any suitable shape and size. The storage portion may have a substantially circular cross-section. The storage portion may include a case. The housing may be a rigid housing. Where the component comprises an aerosol generating member, the rigid housing of the storage portion may provide mechanical support to the aerosol generating member.

The means may include an aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion. An aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing an aerosol-forming volatile compound. Volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatile compound may be released by moving the aerosol-forming substrate through the channel of the vibratable element.

The aerosol-forming substrate can be a liquid. The aerosol-forming substrate can be a solid. Aerosol-forming substrates may comprise both liquid and solid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. The nicotine containing liquid aerosol-forming matrix may be a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may include plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-free material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant-based material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-forming agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, in use, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as monoglycerides, diesters or triesters; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Aerosol formers may be polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol. The liquid aerosol-forming base may include other additives and ingredients, such as fragrances.

The aerosol-forming substrate can be a liquid at room temperature. The liquids may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. The liquid may include one or more aerosol-forming agents. Examples of suitable aerosol formers include glycerol and propylene glycol.

The storage portion may be configured such that the aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion is protected from ambient air. The storage portion may be configured such that the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage portion is protected from light. This reduces the risk of degradation of the matrix. This also maintains a high level of hygiene.

The storage portion may comprise a carrier material within a housing for holding the aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be adsorbed or otherwise loaded onto a carrier material. The carrier material may be made of any suitable absorbent tampon or body, eg foamed metal or plastic material, polypropylene, polyester, nylon fibers or ceramics. The aerosol-forming substrate may remain in the carrier material prior to use of the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-forming substrate can be released into the carrier material during use. The aerosol-forming substrate can be released into the carrier material immediately before use. For example, a liquid aerosol-forming matrix can be provided in a capsule. The shell of the capsule may melt upon heating by the heating means and release the liquid aerosol-forming matrix into the carrier material. Capsules may contain a combination of solids and liquids.

The liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be retained in the capillary material. Capillary materials are materials that actively transport liquid from one end of the material to the other. Capillary material may be oriented in the housing to convey the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a nebulizer of the aerosol-generating system. The capillary material may have a fibrous structure. The capillary material may have a sponge-like structure. The capillary material may include capillary bundles. The capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibers. The capillary material may include multiple wires. Capillary material may include fine-bore tubes. Fibers, wires and fine bore tubes can generally be aligned to deliver liquid to the nebulizer. Capillary materials may include combinations of fibers, wires, and fine-bore tubes. Capillary materials may include spongy materials. The capillary material may comprise a foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material can form a plurality of pores or tubules through which liquid can be transported by capillary action.

The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are sponges or foams, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, metal foams or plastic materials, e.g. ester or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, polyester or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramics. The capillary material can have any suitable capillary action and porosity for use with different liquid physical properties. Liquid aerosol-forming substrates have physical properties including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and atomic pressure, which allow transport of liquids through capillary materials by capillary action. The capillary material may be configured to convey the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol-generating member.

The component may include one or more air passages. The one or more air channels may extend through the storage portion. The storage portion may comprise a generally annular space surrounding the one or more air passages. The one or more air channels may be formed by one or more ducts extending through the storage portion. The one or more conduits may be rigid. The one or more conduits may be substantially fluid impermeable. The storage portion may comprise a generally annular space surrounding the one or more conduits.

At least a portion of the one or more conduits may be fluid permeable. As used herein, with reference to the present invention, a 'fluid permeable' portion means a portion that allows liquids or gases to permeate therethrough. The one or more conduits may have one or more openings to allow fluid to permeate therethrough. In particular, the fluid permeable portion or the one or more openings may allow permeation therethrough of the aerosol-forming substrate in a liquid phase, a gas phase, or both gas and liquid phases.

The component may comprise an aerosol generating member. The aerosol-generating means may be arranged to receive an aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion. The aerosol generating means may be a nebulizer. The aerosol-generating means may comprise one or more aerosol-generating elements. The aerosol-generating means may be configured to atomize the contained aerosol-forming substrate using heat. The aerosol-generating means may comprise heating means for atomizing the received aerosol-generating substrate. The one or more aerosol-generating elements may be heating elements. The aerosol-generating member may be configured to atomize the contained aerosol-forming substrate using ultrasonic vibrations. The aerosol generating means may comprise an ultrasonic transducer. The one or more aerosol-generating elements may comprise one or more vibratable elements.

Where the component comprises one or more air passages, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating member may extend into one or more of the one or more air passages to An atomized aerosol-forming substrate is generated in the air channel. At least a portion of the one or more aerosol generating elements may be arranged in the one or more air channels.

The aerosol-generating means may include heating means configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating means may comprise one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be suitably arranged to most efficiently heat the contained aerosol-forming substrate. The one or more heating elements may be arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate primarily by conduction. The one or more heating elements may be arranged substantially in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The one or more heating elements may be arranged to transfer heat to the aerosol-forming substrate via one or more thermally conductive elements. The one or more heating elements may be arranged to transfer heat to ambient air drawn through the component during use, which may heat the aerosol-forming substrate by convection. The one or more heating elements may be arranged to heat ambient air before it is drawn through the aerosol-forming substrate. The one or more heating elements may be arranged to heat ambient air after it has been drawn through the aerosol-forming substrate.

The heating member may be an electric heating member or an electric heater. The electric heater may comprise one or more electric heating elements. The one or more electrical heating elements may comprise a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (eg molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials.

The one or more electrical heating elements may be in any suitable form. For example, the one or more electrical heating elements may be in the form of one or more heating blades. The one or more electric heating elements may be in the form of a housing or matrix having different electrically conductive parts, or one or more resistive metal tubes. The storage portion may incorporate one or more disposable heating elements. The one or more electrical heating elements may comprise one or more heating needles or strips extending through the aerosol-forming substrate. The one or more electrical heating elements may comprise one or more flexible sheets. The electrical heating member may comprise one or more heating wires or filaments, such as Ni-Cr, platinum, tungsten or alloy wires, or heating plates. The one or more heating elements may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material.

The one or more heating elements may comprise one or more heat sinks or thermal reservoirs. The one or more heat sinks or thermal reservoirs may comprise a material capable of absorbing and storing heat and then releasing the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate over time. The one or more heat sinks may be formed from any suitable material, such as a suitable metal or ceramic material. The material may have a high heat capacity (sensible heat storage material), or may be a material capable of absorbing and subsequently releasing heat through a reversible process such as a high temperature phase change. Suitable sensible heat storage materials include silica gel, alumina, carbon, glass mat, fiberglass, minerals, metals or alloys such as aluminum, silver or lead, and cellulosic materials such as paper. Other suitable materials that release heat through reversible phase changes include paraffins, sodium acetate, naphthalene, waxes, polyethylene oxide, metals, metal salts, and eutectic salt mixtures or alloys.

The aerosol-generating member may comprise one or more vibratable elements and one or more actuators arranged to excite vibrations in the one or more vibratable elements. The one or more vibratable elements may comprise a plurality of channels through which the aerosol-forming substrate may pass and become aerosolized. The one or more actuators may include one or more piezoelectric transducers.

The aerosol-generating member may comprise one or more capillary wicks for delivering the liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion to the one or more elements of the aerosol-generating member. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate can have physical properties, including viscosity, that allow the liquid to be transported by capillary action through one or more capillary wicks. The one or more capillary wicks may have any of the properties of the structures described above with respect to the capillary material.

One or more capillary wicks may be arranged in contact with liquid held in the liquid storage portion. The one or more capillary wicks may extend into the storage portion. In this case, in use, liquid may be transported by capillary action in the one or more capillary wicks from the storage portion to the one or more elements of the aerosol generating member. The one or more capillary wicks may have a first end and a second end. The first end may extend into the storage portion to draw the liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion into the aerosol-generating member. The second end may extend into the one or more air passages. The second end may comprise one or more aerosol generating elements. The first end and the second end may extend into the liquid storage portion. One or more aerosol generating elements may be arranged at a central portion of the core between the first end and the second end. In use, upon activation of the one or more aerosol-generating elements, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the one or more capillary wicks is atomized at and around the one or more aerosol-generating elements.

Where the component comprises one or more air channels, at least a portion of the aerosol generating member may extend into one or more of the one or more air channels. Where the one or more air channels are formed by one or more tubes, the one or more capillary wicks may extend through the one or more tubes to one or more in the air channel. In use, the atomized aerosol-forming substrate may be mixed with and carried in an airflow passing through the one or more air channels. The combination of the capillary properties of the one or more capillary wicks and the properties of the liquid substrate ensures that, during normal use, in the presence of sufficient aerosol-forming substrate, the area of the heated or vibratable element facing the aerosol-generating member The wick is kept wet by the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in .

The aerosol generating member may comprise one or more heating wires or filaments surrounding a portion of one or more capillary wicks. The heating wire or filament may support the enclosed portion of the one or more capillary wicks.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising components substantially as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention. The disabling member may be configured to render the aerosol generating system irreversibly inoperable. The component may be an integral part of the aerosol generating system. The components may be integrally formed with the aerosol generating system. The components may be secured to other components of the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may be an electrically operated smoking system.

The aerosol generating system may include a power source. The power source can be a battery. The battery may be a lithium based battery such as lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate or lithium polymer battery. The battery can be a nickel metal hydride battery or a nickel cadmium battery. The power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may need to be recharged and is configured for many charge and discharge cycles. The power supply may have a capacity to allow storage of sufficient energy for one or more smoking experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for a period of about six minutes (corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke a traditional cigarette) or The aerosol is continuously generated in periods that are multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of suction or discrete activations of the heating member and actuator.

The aerosol generating system may include a control system configured to operate the aerosol generating member. The control system may include circuitry connected to the aerosol-generating member and a power source. The circuitry may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The circuitry may include additional electronic components. The circuitry may be configured to regulate the supply of electrical power to the aerosol-generating member. Power may be supplied to the aerosol-generating means continuously after activation of the system, or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. Electricity may be supplied to the aerosol-generating member in the form of current pulses.

The aerosol generating system may include a temperature sensor in communication with the control system. The temperature sensor may be adjacent to the storage portion of the component. The temperature sensor can be a thermocouple. At least one element of the aerosol generating member may be used by the control system to provide information about temperature. The temperature-dependent resistive properties of the at least one element may be known and used to determine the temperature of the at least one element in a manner known to the skilled person.

The aerosol generating system may include a puff detector in communication with control electronics. The puff detector may be configured to detect when a user draws on the mouthpiece. The control electronics may be configured to control power to the aerosol generating member dependent on input from the puff detector.

The aerosol generating system may include user input, such as a switch or button. This enables the user to switch on the system. A switch or button activates the aerosol generating means. A switch or button initiates aerosol generation. A switch or button prepares the control electronics for input from the puff detector.

The aerosol generating system can include a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. The material can be light and not brittle.

The housing may include a cavity for receiving the power supply. The housing may include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may comprise more than one air inlet. One or more of the air inlets may reduce the temperature of the aerosol prior to delivery to the user, and may reduce the concentration of the aerosol prior to delivery to the user.

The aerosol generating system may be portable. The aerosol generating system can be of comparable size to a traditional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol generating system may have an overall length of between about 30mm and about 150mm. The aerosol generating system may have an outer diameter of between about 5mm and about 30mm.

The aerosol generating system may be an electrically operated smoking system. The aerosol generating system can be an electronic cigarette or a cigar.

An aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device and a cartridge.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating system, said cartridge comprising a component according to the first aspect of the present invention. The disabling member may be configured to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable.

The cartridge can have any suitable shape. The barrel can be elongated. The cartridge may have any suitable cross-section. The cartridge may have a generally circular, elliptical, hexagonal or octagonal cross-section. The cartridge may have a housing. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. The material can be light and not brittle.

The cartridge may include a liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion may include a housing for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may include an aerosol-generating member configured to receive the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion.

The storage portion, housing and aerosol generating member may comprise any features or be arranged in any configuration as described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. For example, the housing may comprise a first housing part and a second housing part substantially as described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention for operating the manual operation disabling member.

The aerosol generating means may comprise heating means substantially as described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. The heating means may be an inductive heating means such that an electrical free contact is formed between the cartridge and the device. The apparatus may include an inductor coil and a power source configured to provide a high frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. The cartridge may include a base element positioned to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. As used herein, a high frequency oscillating current means an oscillating current having a frequency between 500 kHz and 10 MHz.

The cartridge may be removably coupled to the aerosol generating device. The cartridge may be removed from the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-forming substrate has been consumed. The cartridge can be disposable. Cartridges may be reusable. The cartridge may be refillable with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be replaceable in the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be reusable.

Cartridges can be manufactured inexpensively in a reliable and repeatable manner. As used herein, the term 'removably coupled' is intended to mean that the cartridge and device can be coupled and decoupled from each other without substantial damage to either the device or the cartridge.

It may be advantageous to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable prior to single use. It may be advantageous to make the cartridge irreversibly inoperable but maintain the aerosol-generating device as a reusable device, since the aerosol-generating device may contain more expensive components than the cartridge, such as controls circuit.

The cartridge can have a simple design. The cartridge may have a housing in which the aerosol-forming substrate is retained. The cartridge housing may be a rigid housing. The housing may comprise a material impermeable to liquids.

The cartridge may include a cap. The cover may be peelable prior to coupling the cartridge to the aerosol generating device. The cover may be pierceable.

The aerosol-generating device may include a cavity for receiving the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device may include a cavity for receiving a power source.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosol generating member. The aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more control systems of the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating device may include a power source. A power source may be removably coupled to the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may comprise more than one air inlet.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a piercing element for piercing the cap of the cartridge. The mouthpiece may comprise a piercing element. The mouthpiece may comprise at least one first conduit extending between the at least one air inlet and the distal end of the piercing element. The mouthpiece may comprise at least one second conduit extending between the distal end of the piercing element and the at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may be arranged such that, in use, when a user draws on the mouthpiece, air flows along an air passage extending from the at least one air inlet, through the at least one first duct, through a portion of the barrel, through the at least one second Two pipes, and leave at least one outlet. This improves airflow through the aerosol-generating device and enables easier delivery of the aerosol to the user.

In use, a user may insert a cartridge as described herein into the cavity of an aerosol generating device as described herein. A user may attach the mouthpiece to the body of the aerosol generating device, which may pierce the cartridge with the piercing portion. The user activates the device by pressing a switch or button. A user may draw on the mouthpiece, which draws air into the device through the one or more air inlets. Air may pass through a portion of the aerosol-generating member, thereby entraining the aerosol-forming aerosol-forming substrate; and exit the device through an air outlet in the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

A kit of parts may be provided, including the cartridge, aerosol-generating member, and aerosol-generating device, substantially as described above. An aerosol generating system according to aspects of the present invention may be provided by assembling a cartridge, an aerosol generating member, and an aerosol generating device. Components of the kit of parts may be removably connected. The components of the kit of parts may be interchangeable. The components of the kit of parts may be disposable. The components of the kit of parts may be reusable.

Features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may also be applied to other aspects of the invention. Features described with respect to the components are applicable to cartridges or aerosol generating systems. Features described with respect to the cartridge are applicable to either the component or the aerosol generating system. Features described with respect to the aerosol-generating system are applicable to either the component or the cartridge.

Description of drawings

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a prior art electrically operated smoking system;

Figure 2 is a cross-section of a cartridge of an electrically operated smoking system according to a first example of the invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-section of the cartridge of Figure 2 wherein the disabling member has been operated to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable;

Figure 4 is a cross-section of a cartridge of an electrically operated smoking system according to a second example of the invention;

Figure 5 is a cross-section of the cartridge of Figure 4 wherein the disabling member has been operated to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable;

Figure 6 is a cross-section of a cartridge according to a third example of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a cross-section of the cartridge of Figure 6 wherein the disabling member has been operated to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable;

Figure 8 is a cross-section of a cartridge according to a fourth example of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a cross-section of the cartridge of Figure 8 wherein the disabling member has been operated to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable;

Figure 10 is a cross-section of a cartridge according to a fifth example of the present invention; and

Figure 11 is a cross-section of the cartridge of Figure 10 wherein the disabling member has been operated to render the cartridge irreversibly inoperable.

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system 1 . The aerosol generating system 1 shown in Figure 1 may be an electrically operated smoking system. Figure 1 is schematic in nature. In particular, the components shown are not necessarily to scale either individually or with respect to each other. The aerosol generating system 1 comprises an aerosol generating device 2 cooperating with a component 10 . Part 10 is a cartridge for an aerosol generating device 2 . The aerosol generating device 2 may be reusable. Part 10 may be disposable.

The aerosol-generating device 2 comprises an elongate generally circular cylindrical housing 3 having a longitudinal length of about 100mm and an outer diameter of about 20mm, comparable to a conventional cigar. The housing 3 has a body end 4 and a mouthpiece end 5 . A power source 6 in the form of a rechargeable lithium battery and a control system 7 comprising an electronic controller and a microprocessor are arranged in the body end 4 . A control system 7 is also provided for a puff detection system (not shown). A cavity 8 is formed in the mouthpiece end 5 in which a component 10 is housed. The cavity 8 is generally separated from the power source 6 and control system 7 in the body end 4 by a partition wall 9 which generally protects the power source 6 and control system 7 from heat and components 10 when the aerosol generating system 1 is in operation. Generated by-product effects.

An air inlet 24 and an air outlet 26 are provided in the mouthpiece end 5 to enable ambient air to be drawn through the cavity 8 . Another air inlet 28 is provided in the body end 4 close to the puff detection system (not shown), and an air inlet 30 is provided in the partition wall 9 to enable air to be drawn from the mouthpiece end 5 through the body end 4, through the The smoke detection system.

Part 10 comprises a generally circular cylindrical housing 11 with generally closed ends. An air inlet is formed in one of the substantially closed ends and an air outlet is formed in the other substantially closed end to enable air to be drawn through the part. Component housing 11 also includes a keying feature (not shown) that generally prevents component 10 from being received upside down in cavity 8 .

The liquid storage portion 12 is contained in the component housing 11 . The liquid storage portion 12 includes a generally circular cylindrical housing 13 that is rigid and generally fluid impermeable. The liquid storage portion 12 contains a carrier material 14 holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Conduit 20 extends through liquid storage portion housing 13 generally coaxially along the length of housing 13 . The liquid storage portion 12 forms a generally annular circular cylindrical chamber around the conduit 20 . Duct 20 has an open end generally aligned with the air inlet and air outlet of component housing 11 . This provides a generally linear air passage 22 through the component 10 .

The component 10 further comprises an aerosol generating member 15 comprising a capillary wick 16 and an electric coil heater 18 . Capillary wick 16 includes a plurality of fibers aligned generally from a first end to a second end of wick 16 . Capillary wick 16 spans the width of air channel 22 . A central portion of core 16 extends across air channel 22 , and first and second ends of core 16 extend through conduit 20 and into carrier material 14 . An electric coil heater 18 surrounds a central portion of the core 16 and is disposed within the air passage 22 . The electric coil heater 18 is electrically connected to the power source 5 and the control system 6 of the device 2 through an electrical circuit (not shown). The electrical circuit includes one or more electrical contacts that align with one or more complementary contacts of the device 2 when the component 10 is received in the cavity 8 .

In other examples (not shown), the component 10 may be electrically connected by induction to the device 2, the device comprising an inductor coil and the component 10 comprising an inductor coil arranged to communicate with the inductor coil when the component 10 is received in the cavity 8. Electrically coupled base element.

In use, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate retained in the carrier material 14 in the liquid storage portion 12 is transported by capillary action from the carrier material 14 into the first and second ends of the core 16 towards the central portion. When a user draws on the aerosol-generating device 2 at the mouthpiece end 5, ambient air is drawn into the cavity 8 through the air inlet 24, passes through the component 10 along the air passage 22 and is drawn to the air outlet 26 outside for inhalation by the user. A small amount of ambient air is also drawn through the air inlet 28 in the body end 4 of the aerosol generating device 2 and into the cavity 8 through the air inlet 30 in the partition wall 9 . This small amount of air triggers the puff detection system and upon detection of a puff, the control system 6 activates the electric coil heater 18 . The power supply 6 supplies electrical energy to the activated coil heater 18, which heats the central portion of the core 16 and vaporizes the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the central portion. The heated aerosol-forming substrate evaporates to form a supersaturated vapor in the air channels 22 . The vaporized liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the wick 16 is replaced in the central portion of the wick by another liquid aerosol-forming substrate that moves along the wick 16 by capillary action (this is sometimes called 'pumping') . The supersaturated vapor generated by the aerosol generating member 15 is entrained in the air flow through the air channel 22 . As the supersaturated vapor cools, the vapor condenses to form an inhalable aerosol, which is carried in the airflow through the air channel 22, exits the air outlet 26 and reaches the user's mouth for inhalation.

In other examples (not shown), the mouthpiece end 5 includes an additional air inlet downstream of the aerosol-generating member 15 to draw in additional cool air to mix with the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate and cool the vapor before the aerosol reaches the user and aerosols.

In other examples (not shown), the aerosol generating member 15 includes a capillary wick 16 having only a first end extending into the liquid storage portion 12 and a second end extending into the air passage and surrounding a coil heater 18. Ends.

In other examples (not shown), part 10 is not a cartridge, and parts of part 10 are integrated with parts of aerosol-generating device 2 . In one example (not shown), the aerosol generating system is configured for single use. In another example (not shown), the aerosol-generating device 2 includes a valve to enable refilling of the liquid storage portion 12 with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Part 10 does not include a manual operation disabling member according to the invention.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a component 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The component 100 includes a manual operation disabling member configured to render the storage portion of the component irreversibly inoperable.

Part 100 is a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, such as the aerosol generating device 2 shown in FIG. 1 . The component 100 does not include an aerosol generating member. The aerosol-generating member may be disposed in a cavity of the aerosol-generating device, or may be removably coupleable to at least one of said component and said aerosol-generating device.

The component 100 includes a rigid housing 102 comprising two housing parts - a first housing part 104 and a second housing part 106 . The first housing part 104 has the same basic shape as the second housing part 106 . The first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106 are generally circular cylindrical and include a generally closed first end and a generally open second end. The generally closed end of the first housing portion 104 includes an air inlet 114 and the generally closed end of the second housing portion 106 includes an air outlet 116 . The width of the first housing part 104 is slightly smaller than the width of the second housing part, so that the first housing part can be received in the second housing part by an interference fit. The interference fit makes it difficult for the user to push the first part into the second part.

The second housing portion 106 includes a liquid storage portion 108 and a conduit 112 forming an air passage 115 generally as described for the component 10 shown in FIG. 1 . The liquid storage portion 108 includes a rigid housing 109 forming a generally annular circular cylindrical chamber around a conduit 112 . The liquid storage portion housing 109 includes a frangible portion 122 disposed towards the open end of the second housing portion 106 . The liquid storage portion 108 is free of carrier material. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 is freely kept within the liquid storage portion 108 .

The first housing portion 104 includes a secondary storage portion 118 . The auxiliary storage part 118 includes an annular circular cylindrical body having a sponge material. The auxiliary storage portion 118 has an outer diameter similar to that of the liquid storage portion 108 and an inner diameter similar to the air passage 115 . The first housing part 104 also includes two piercing elements 120 . The two piercing elements 120 are conical spikes formed from a rigid polymeric material. A base of conical spikes is adhered to the body of spongy material, and a central channel (not shown) passes from the piercing tip through each piercing element to the base at the body of spongy material.

The first housing portion 104 is generally disposed in coaxial alignment with the second housing portion 106 , with the open end of the first housing portion 104 received in the open end of the second housing portion 106 . The first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106 form a generally circular cylindrical housing 102 . In this arrangement, the air inlet 114 , air passage 115 and air outlet 116 are aligned to form a generally linear air passage through the component 100 .

Component 100 includes manual operation disabling means for rendering the liquid storage portion irreversibly inoperable. The disabling member includes at least the first housing portion 104 , the second housing portion 106 , the secondary storage portion 118 , the piercing element 120 and the frangible portion 122 of the liquid storage portion 108 .

The component 100 is shown in an operative arrangement in Figure 2, wherein the manual operation disabling member has not been operated by a user. In an operational arrangement, component 100 is operable by an aerosol generating device substantially as described with respect to component 10 and device 2 shown in FIG. 1 . In the operative arrangement, the first housing part 104 extends substantially beyond the open end of the second housing part 106 and the piercing element 120 passes through the piercing tip facing the frangible part 122 with the frangible end of the liquid storage part 108 . Sections 122 are spaced apart.

To operate the disabling member, the user presses the first housing part 104 towards the second housing part 106 generally along the longitudinal axis of the component 100 . As the first housing part 104 is advanced into the second housing part 106 , the piercing element 120 moves towards the liquid storage part 108 and the piercing tip pierces the frangible part 122 of the liquid storage part 108 . The central channel of piercing element 120 provides a passage for fluid communication between liquid storage portion 108 and secondary storage portion 118 .

The first housing part 104 can be pressed into the second housing part 106 by orienting the part 100 so that the first housing part 104 is below the second housing part 106 and the part 100 can be 'snipped out' against a horizontal surface to manipulate the disabled widget. In this orientation, gravity may urge liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 toward secondary storage portion 118 . However, in order to further facilitate the suction of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion 108 to the auxiliary storage portion 118, the channel of the piercing member 120 may be sized to draw the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the auxiliary storage portion 118 by capillary action. A storage portion, or capillary material may be disposed in the channel of the piercing element 120 .

Component 100 is shown in a disabled arrangement in FIG. 3 . In a disabling arrangement, the disabling member of the component 100 has operated and has rendered the component irreversibly inoperable.

In the deactivated arrangement, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 held in the liquid storage portion 108 passes through the passage of the piercing element 120 and is absorbed by the body of the sponge material in the secondary storage portion 118 . The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 is collected in the auxiliary storage part 118 and held in the auxiliary storage part 118 by the sponge material. This substantially prevents movement of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 from the secondary storage portion 118 back to the liquid storage portion 108 . This renders the liquid storage portion 108 irreversibly inoperable. It also substantially prevents the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 110 from being received by the aerosol-generating components of the aerosol-generating device. This renders the component 200 irreversibly inoperable by the aerosol generating device.

In the disabled arrangement, the component 100 is also arranged such that the first housing portion 104 is substantially inaccessible to a user. As shown in FIG. 3 , the closed end of the first housing portion 104 is disposed generally flush with the open end of the second housing portion 102 when the disabling member is operated. In this arrangement, the first housing portion 104 is generally contained within the second housing portion 106 and is generally prevented from being grasped by a user. This generally prevents a user from moving the first housing portion 104 from the inactive arrangement to the operative arrangement.

In other embodiments (not shown), part 100 is not a cartridge, and parts of part 100 are integrated with parts of the aerosol generating device. In such embodiments, the first and second housing portions of the component are the first and second housing portions of the housing of the aerosol generating system, and the user may extinguish a conventional cigar or cigarette in a manner similar to that of a conventional cigar or cigarette. 'Nipple out' the aerosol generating system to disable means of operation.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a component 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown. The component 200 includes a manual operation disabling member configured to render the liquid storage portion of the component irreversibly inoperable.

Part 200 is a cartridge for an aerosol generating device and is of a similar size and shape as part 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . Specifically, component 200 includes liquid storage portion 208 , conduit 212 and air passage 215 , arranged similarly to the corresponding components of component 100 described above and shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 is freely held in the liquid storage portion 208 .

The component 200 includes an aerosol generating member 230 . The aerosol generating member 230 is similar to the aerosol generating member 15 of the component 10 shown in FIG. 1 and includes a capillary wick 232 and an electric coil heater 234 . The aerosol-generating member 230 is disposed in adjacent coaxial alignment with the liquid storage portion 208 , and the first and second ends of the core 232 extend into adjacent ends of the liquid storage portion 208 . An annular shroud 236 is secured to an adjacent end of the liquid storage portion 208 and generally surrounds the core 232 and the coil 234 . In other embodiments (not shown), aerosol generating member 230 may be removably coupled to liquid storage portion 208 or component 200 .

The component 200 includes a housing 202 containing a liquid storage portion 208 and an aerosol generating member 230 . Component housing 202 includes a single housing portion that is generally circular cylindrical and generally closed at both ends. The air inlet 214 is arranged at the end furthest from the aerosol generating member 230 and the air outlet 216 is arranged at the end closest to the aerosol generating member 230 . Air inlet 214 , air passage 215 , and air outlet 216 are generally aligned to provide a generally linear air passage through component 200 .

The component housing 202 includes a manually deformable portion 204 at a central region along its length. Manually deformable portion 204 includes a region of reduced thickness. The reduced thickness of the manually deformable portion may weaken the structure of the housing 202 at the manually deformable portion 204 . This may enable a user to deform the manually deformable portion 204 under compression.

The auxiliary storage portion 218 is disposed within the housing 202 between the liquid storage portion 208 and the housing 202 . The secondary storage portion 218 is disposed radially outwardly of the liquid storage portion 208 and generally surrounds the liquid storage portion 208 along its length. Auxiliary storage section 218 includes a rigid housing 221 , similar to the housing of liquid storage section 208 . The secondary storage portion 218 contains particles of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) material 219 .

Piercing element 220 is secured to the inner surface of housing 202 . Piercing element 220 includes a pair of opposing arcuate cutting blades spaced around the circumference of housing 202 . Each of the blades has a cutting edge arranged radially inwardly facing.

Component 200 includes manual operation disabling means for rendering the liquid storage portion irreversibly inoperable. The disabling member comprises at least a manually deformable portion 204 of the housing 202 , an auxiliary storage portion 218 comprising SAP material 219 and a piercing element 220 .

Component 200 is shown in an operative arrangement in FIG. 4 wherein the manual operation disabling member has not been operated by a user. In an operational arrangement, component 200 is operable by an aerosol generating device substantially as described with respect to component 10 and device 2 shown in FIG. 1 .

In the operative arrangement, the piercing element is arranged within the auxiliary storage portion 218 , spaced apart from the inner wall 221 of the auxiliary storage portion and the outer wall 222 of the liquid storage portion 208 .

To operate the disabling member, a user may compress opposite sides of the manually deformable portion 204 towards the center of the component 200 . As the manually deformable portion 204 is compressed, the piercing element 220 is advanced towards the inner wall 221 of the auxiliary storage portion 218 and the outer wall 222 of the liquid storage portion 208 . The cutting edge of the piercing element 220 pierces the inner wall 221 and the outer wall 222 . This enables fluid communication between the liquid storage portion 208 and the secondary storage portion 218 and releases the SAP material 219 from the secondary storage portion 218 into the liquid storage portion 208 .

Component 200 is shown in a disabled arrangement in FIG. 5 . In a disabling arrangement, the disabling member of component 200 has been operated and the component has been rendered irreversibly inoperable.

In the deactivated arrangement, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 held in the liquid storage portion 208 contacts the released SAP material 219 and is absorbed by the SAP material 219 . The liquid aerosol-forming substrate is held by SAP material 219 . This renders the liquid storage portion 208 unsuitable for holding the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 and renders the liquid storage portion irreversibly inoperable. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 is also substantially prevented from being contained by the aerosol-generating member 230 , actually remaining within the SAP material 219 . This renders the component 200 irreversibly operable by the aerosol generating device.

In other embodiments (not shown), the SAP material may remain in the secondary storage portion 218 and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 may be transferred from the liquid storage portion 208 to the secondary storage portion 218 .

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a component 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown. The component 300 includes a manual operation disabling member configured to render the aerosol generating member of the component irreversibly inoperable.

Part 300 is a cartridge for an aerosol generating device and is of a similar size and shape as part 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . Specifically, component 300 includes fluid storage portion 308 , conduit 312 , and housing 302 including first housing portion 304 and second housing portion 306 , arranged similarly to the counterparts of component 100 .

The liquid storage portion 308 includes a carrier material 310 comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The component 300 includes an aerosol generating member 330 . The aerosol generating member 330 comprises a capillary wick 332 and an electric coil heater 334 arranged similarly to the aerosol generating member 15 of the component 10 shown in FIG. 1 . The electric coil heater 334 is electrically connected to the control system and power supply of the aerosol generating device through a circuit 338 . The electrical circuit 338 includes an arrangement of wires extending from both ends of the coil heater 334 . Each wire arrangement includes a first wire 340 connected to a coil heater 334 and a second wire 342 connected to an electrical contact 344 arranged on the second housing portion 306 . The first wire 340 and the second wire 342 are electrically connected by a frangible connection, including a solder joint. When the component 300 is received in the aerosol generating device, the contacts 346 are aligned with the complementary contacts of the aerosol generating device and the circuit 338 electrically connects the coil heater 334 to the power and control system of the aerosol generating device.

A portion of the first electrical wire 340 is secured to the first housing portion 304 and a portion of the second electrical wire 342 is secured to the second housing portion 306 . The wires are secured to the component housing 302 by a layer of bonding material such as adhesive.

The component 300 includes a manual disabling member comprising at least a first housing portion 304 , a second housing portion 306 and a frangible connection 344 .

Component 300 is shown in an operative arrangement in FIG. 6 . In an operational arrangement, component 300 is operable by an aerosol generating device substantially as described with respect to component 10 and device 2 shown in FIG. 1 .

In the operative arrangement, the first housing portion 304 extends substantially beyond the open end of the second housing portion 306 and the electrical circuit 338 is complete.

To operate the disabling member, the user presses the first housing part 304 into the second housing part 306 . As first housing portion 304 advances into second housing portion 306 , first wire 340 moves with first housing portion 304 . The second wire 342 is not fastened to the first housing part 304 and thus the second wire 342 does not move with the first housing part 304 . The relative movement of the first wire 342 and the second wire 344 applies tension to the frangible connection 346 and causes the frangible connection 346 to break.

Component 300 is shown in a disabled arrangement in FIG. 7 . In a disabling arrangement, the disabling member of component 300 has been operated and the component has been rendered irreversibly inoperable.

In the disabled arrangement, the frangible link 346 is broken, which means that the electrical circuit 338 connecting the coil heater 334 to the control system and power supply of the aerosol generating device is broken. This renders the aerosol-generating member 330 not irreversibly operable by the aerosol-generating device and renders the component 300 not irreversibly operable by the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to Figures 8 and 9, there is shown a component 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Component 400 includes a manual operation disabling member configured to render the component's air passages irreversibly inoperable.

Part 400 is a cartridge for an aerosol generating device and is of similar size and shape to part 300 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 . Specifically, component 400 includes liquid storage portion 408 , conduit 412 , aerosol generating member 430 , and housing 402 including first housing portion 404 and second housing portion 406 , arranged similarly to counterparts of component 300 .

Air channels are formed through the component 400 . The air channels include an air outlet 414 of the second housing part 406 , an air channel 415 of the duct 412 and an air outlet 416 of the first housing part 404 . Duct 412 includes an open end 417 disposed towards air inlet 414 and an open end 419 disposed towards air outlet 416 .

The barrier 420 is fastened to the first housing part 404 and is arranged between the air outlet 416 of the first housing part 404 and the open end 419 of the duct 415 . Barrier 420 is composed of a substantially gas impermeable material, which may be the same material as housing 402 . Barrier 420 is generally L-shaped. One end of the barrier 420 is fastened to the inner surface of the closed end of the first housing part 404 and is arranged to extend generally in a longitudinal direction away from the closed end and towards the open end of the first housing part 404 . The other end of the barrier 420 extending generally perpendicular to the first end extends generally across the member. The laterally extending end is disposed between the air outlet 416 and the open end 419 of the duct 412 . The laterally extending ends generally extend across the path of the air passage through the component; however, the barrier 420 does not extend to the sides of the first housing portion 404 . This provides a spacing between the laterally extending ends of the barrier 420 and the sides of the first housing portion 404 .

The component 400 includes a manual operation disabling member including at least a first housing portion 404 , a second housing portion 406 and a barrier 420 .

Component 400 is shown in an operative arrangement in FIG. 8 wherein the manual operation disabling member has not been operated by a user. In an operational arrangement, component 400 is operable by an aerosol generating device substantially as described with respect to component 10 and device 2 shown in FIG. 1 .

In an operative arrangement, the first housing part 404 extends substantially beyond the open end of the second housing part 406 and the barrier 420 spaces the opening 419 of the duct 412 from the air outlet 416 of the first housing part 404 . This provides a passage along which air can flow from the opening 419 of the duct 412 through the space between the barrier 420 and the side of the first housing part 404 and out of the air outlet 416 .

To operate the disabling member, the user presses the first housing part 404 into the second housing part 406 . The barrier 420 is advanced with the first housing portion 404 towards the duct 412 and brought into abutment with the open end 419 of the duct 412 . In this arrangement, barrier 420 substantially blocks open end 419 of conduit 412 .

Component 400 is shown in a disabled arrangement in FIG. 7 . In a disabling arrangement, a disabling member of a component 400 has been operated and said component 400 has been rendered irreversibly inoperable.

In the disabling arrangement, the barrier 420 substantially blocks the open end 419 of the conduit 412 . This blocks air passage through the component and renders the air passage inoperable. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating member cannot exit the component 400 without an air channel enabling air to pass through the component 400 . This renders component 400 inoperable by an aerosol generating device.

As described for the component 100 shown in FIG. 3 , in the disabling arrangement, the first housing portion 404 is generally contained within the second housing portion 406 . This renders the first housing portion 404 substantially inaccessible to the user. This renders the air passage and component 400 irreversibly inoperable.

In other embodiments (not shown), the barrier 420 or the open end 419 of the conduit 412 may have a layer of bonding material, such as an adhesive, to secure the barrier 420 to the open end 419 of the conduit 420 . This can render the component irreversibly inoperable.

Referring to Figures 10 and 11, there is shown a component 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Component 500 includes a manual operation disabling member configured to render the component's air passages irreversibly inoperable.

Part 500 is a cartridge for an aerosol generating device and is substantially identical to part 400 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . However, component 500 includes a first barrier 520 and a second barrier 522 .

The first barrier 520 is substantially identical to the barrier 420 of the component 400 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . Second barrier 522 of component 500 is generally similar to first barrier 520; It extends between the liquid storage part 510 . The second barrier 522 includes a laterally extending end disposed between the air outlet 514 of the second housing portion 506 and the other open end 517 of the duct 512 . The laterally extending ends of the second barrier 522 generally extend across the path of the air passage through the component; however, the second barrier 522 does not extend to the sides of the second housing portion 506 . This provides a spacing between the laterally extending ends of the second barrier 522 and the sides of the second housing portion 506 .

Component 504 includes a manual operation disabling member that includes at least a first housing portion 504 , a second housing portion 506 , a first barrier 520 , and a second barrier 522 .

Component 500 is shown in an operative arrangement in FIG. 10 in which the manual operation disabling member has not been operated by a user. In an operational arrangement, component 500 is operable by an aerosol generating device substantially as described with respect to component 10 and device 2 shown in FIG. 1 .

In an operative arrangement, the second barrier 522 is spaced from the opening 517 of the duct 512 and from the air inlet 514 of the second housing part 506 . This provides a passage along which air can flow into the component 500 through the air inlet 514 , through the space between the second barrier 522 and the second housing part 506 and into the opening 517 of the duct 512 . The first barrier 520 is spaced from the opening 519 of the duct 512 and from the air outlet 516 of the first housing portion 504 . This provides a passage along which air can flow from the opening 519 of the duct 512 out of the component 500 , through the space between the barrier 520 and the side of the first housing part 504 and out of the air outlet 516 .

To operate the disabling member, the user presses the first housing part 504 into the second housing part 506 . The first barrier 520 is advanced with the first housing portion 504 towards the duct 512 and brought into abutment with the open end 519 of the duct 512 . The second barrier 522 also moves forward with the first housing portion 504 . The second barrier 522 advances toward and abuts the closed end of the second housing portion 506 . In this arrangement, the barrier 520 substantially blocks the open end 519 of the duct 512 and the second barrier 522 substantially blocks the air inlet 514 .

Component 500 is shown in a disabled arrangement in FIG. 11 . In a disabling arrangement, the disabling member of component 500 has been operated and the component has been rendered irreversibly inoperable.

In the disabled arrangement, the first barrier 512 substantially blocks the open end 519 of the duct 512 and the second barrier 522 substantially blocks the air outlet 514 . This substantially blocks air passage through the component at two locations. This renders the air passage and component 500 irreversibly inoperable.

It will be appreciated that the components described above may not be cartridges for the aerosol generating system, but may instead be an integral part of the aerosol generating system.

It should also be appreciated that features described for one embodiment may be provided in other embodiments. In particular, it should be appreciated that components, cartridges and aerosol generating systems according to the invention may comprise more than one type of disabling member. For example, a component may include means for rendering an air channel of the component inoperable and means for rendering the aerosol generating means irreversibly inoperable. In this embodiment (not shown), the component includes a barrier for substantially blocking the air passage of the component when the disabling member is operated as shown in FIGS. 8 , 9 , 10 and 11 and as shown in FIG. The circuits shown in 6 and 7 include frangible connections.

Claims (9)

1. A component for an aerosol-generating system, the component for an aerosol-generating system comprising:

a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate; and

a manually operated disabling means for irreversibly rendering the component for an aerosol-generating system inoperable,

wherein:

the aerosol-forming substrate is a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and the storage portion is a liquid storage portion configured to hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate;

the disabling means is configured to render the storage portion irreversibly inoperable;

the disabling member includes a secondary storage portion that is substantially isolated from the liquid storage portion; and the disabling member is configured to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the auxiliary storage portion upon operation of the disabling member; and

the disabling member comprises a sorbent material arranged in the auxiliary storage portion, wherein the sorbent material is arranged to absorb or adsorb liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion when the disabling member is operated.

2. A component for an aerosol-generating system, the component for an aerosol-generating system comprising:

a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate;

an aerosol-generating member arranged to receive an aerosol-forming substrate held in the storage portion, the aerosol-generating member comprising an electrical circuit comprising one or more frangible portions; and

a manually operated disabling means for rendering the component for an aerosol-generating system irreversibly inoperable, wherein the disabling means is configured to rupture the one or more frangible portions to render the aerosol-generating means irreversibly inoperable.

3. A component for an aerosol-generating system, the component for an aerosol-generating system comprising:

a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate;

one or more air channels; and

a manually operated disabling means for rendering the component for an aerosol-generating system irreversibly inoperable, wherein the disabling means comprises one or more barriers arranged to prevent airflow through the one or more air channels such that the one or more air channels are irreversibly inoperable.

4. A component for an aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein the manually operated disabling means may comprise a disabling mechanism.

5. A component for an aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein:

the component for an aerosol-generating system comprises a housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion; and is provided with

The first housing portion is manually movable relative to the second housing portion to operate the disabling member.

6. A component for an aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein:

the component for an aerosol-generating system comprises a housing comprising a manually deformable portion; and is

The manually deformable portion is arranged to operate the disabling member when the manually deformable portion is deformed.

7. A component for an aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein the disabling member is configured to prevent aerosol-forming substrate from exiting the storage portion.

8. An aerosol-generating system comprising a component for an aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the manually-operated disabling means for a component of an aerosol-generating system is configured to render the aerosol-generating system irreversibly inoperable.

9. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system comprising a component for an aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the manually-operated disabling means for a component of an aerosol-generating system is configured such that the cartridge is irreversibly inoperable.

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